Susan C. Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 So dd20 was opening soup, cut her finger.... then fainted backward onto the tile floor, splitting the back of her head open. Before she woke up, she was growling and hissing, the scariest minute of my life. She came to, but blood all over the place... We called an ambulance, she was alert and talking the whole time. At the hospital, doctor said cat scan is not necessary, she is fine. Fast forward four hours when he is stapling her cut... and I mention her growling while passed out, and then he decided to do the cat scan. Luckily no fracture, no bleeding. But definitely a concussion. Here's the deal. They said just take it easy a few days, and she is good. Haven't I seen here where you need to rest, and can't do much for awhile after a concussion? If so, why hasn't this hospital (small town one) heard of it? (And I definitely have a nice insurance mess to clean up, but since I insisted their coverage amounts were wrong, I didn't have to pay tonight). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 It's a sign that either the concussion is slight, or that the doctor isn't up to date on concussions. I'd watch her closely and encourage her to do nothing but rest quietly in bed until she has no more symptoms. And I'd definitely take her to a follow up appointment at a pediatrician. Less science, and more speculative advice: Find a way to feed her coconut oil. Some of the fats are broken down into ketones, which help repair the brain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 I'm so sorry! I hope she's one of the lucky ones and feels better soon! I can only imagine how creature feature that must have looked l when her head was bleeding. And growling, cool! She'll laugh at this story one day. I would follow up with her doctor as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 I know you said she's 20 but that's not far off 19 ... & in the the youth concussion guidelines it says youth take LONGER to recover from concussion than adults.check out the cdc page on this: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/index.html & this http://www.headsupparents.org/brain_injury_basics.html?vid=6 GL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only me Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 My 20 year old dd has had two concussions which were both considered mild. Both times she was told that she needed to rest her brain as much as possible (no TV, no computer, no reading) especially the first few days. Actually after her first concussion at 14 she had to lay in a quiet room all day. She still ended up with post concussion syndrome. She had headaches for months and had trouble learning and retaining information. She was homeschooled through 8th grade and had just started freshman year at a private school. I ended up having to take her out to homeschool her again She had her 2nd concussion this past March. She was given a computer based test that tests her reaction time, cognitive ability as well as other things. Quite honestly I didn't even think she had a concussion until the doctor went over the results and showed us how poor she did on the test. We were shocked. She was getting straight A's in her classes yet failed this miserably. It goes to show that even a mild concussion can really affect the brain For the first week she wasn't allowed to watch tv etc. She retook the test about 10 days later. She had improved but still tested poorly. The doctor allowed her short periods of reading etc (10 min) at a time. This went in for awhile (test followed by gradual increase in screen time and then gradual Increase in activity.) Luckily it happened right before spring break so she had that week but still missed another week of classes. She had to wait 2 or 3 months before he let her return to hockey. I'm very surprised by your daughter's doctor. Concussions are usually taken much more seriously now. I would definitely recommend brain rest. If she still has symptoms in a few days (headache, more tired than usual. dizziness) I would take her back to a doctor or specialist. I hope she heals quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Haven't I seen here where you need to rest, and can't do much for awhile after a concussion? If so, why hasn't this hospital (small town one) heard of it? I would assume the advice is different depending upon how serious the concussion/injury is. I had a friend whose teen son was on total brain rest for quite a while after a car accident. BUT, his brain injury was serious enough that he couldn't read right after his injury. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 My 20 year old dd has had two concussions which were both considered mild. Both times she was told that she needed to rest her brain as much as possible (no TV, no computer, no reading) especially the first few days. Actually after her first concussion at 14 she had to lay in a quiet room all day. She still ended up with post concussion syndrome. She had headaches for months and had trouble learning and retaining information. She was homeschooled through 8th grade and had just started freshman year at a private school. I ended up having to take her out to homeschool her again She had her 2nd concussion this past March. She was given a computer based test that tests her reaction time, cognitive ability as well as other things. Quite honestly I didn't even think she had a concussion until the doctor went over the results and showed us how poor she did on the test. We were shocked. She was getting straight A's in her classes yet failed this miserably. It goes to show that even a mild concussion can really affect the brain For the first week she wasn't allowed to watch tv etc. She retook the test about 10 days later. She had improved but still tested poorly. The doctor allowed her short periods of reading etc (10 min) at a time. This went in for awhile (test followed by gradual increase in screen time and then gradual Increase in activity.) Luckily it happened right before spring break so she had that week but still missed another week of classes. She had to wait 2 or 3 months before he let her return to hockey. I'm very surprised by your daughter's doctor. Concussions are usually taken much more seriously now. I would definitely recommend brain rest. If she still has symptoms in a few days (headache, more tired than usual. dizziness) I would take her back to a doctor or specialist. I hope she heals quickly. I have read this on here before, and mentioned it to the nurse and doctor. It was obvious they never heard of it. They did say to follow up at the doctor. What type of doctor gave the computer test? Maybe I could follow up with the same kind of doctor. Dd is in college (local), she will take tomorrow off, no classes Friday. She wrote to them when we got home tonight about relaxing her deadlines so she can rest this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 My son's concussion symptoms were more severe, but I was told to have him rest (physical and brain) as long as we could. He was supposed to do cognitive/brain rest until all symptoms were gone, including headaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 No advice here as the only concussion I had was back when I was nine (sledding accident) and I just don't remember all that much about recovery after getting home from the hospital, not to mention, the advice might be a wee bit different in this day and age! I do, however, want to offer :grouphug: and best wishes for a full recovery. That was an awful lot to go through for some soup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 My youngest just received a concussion last week. We were given a list of instructions - -avoid texting, using a computer, and playing video games. -Avoid/minimize watching TV or movies. Do not watch violent, suspenseful, scary or action shows. -Do not watch sports events on TV, especially those involving teams which you follow closely or support. -Avoid events with lots of activity and noise. -Do not listen to rock, rap or other fast moving/stimulation music. NEVER use headphones or ear buds -do not attend team scrimmages or games Avoid, or at least minimize your caffeine intake. -no driving! - sleep as much as possible. When not sleeping, rest as much as possible in a quiet dark room, preferably alone. - as much as possible, avoid physical exertions. This includes any activity (walking, standing, light jogging, riding a bicycle,etc) -When you must be outside, where a wide brimmed hat and dark sunglasses. Good luck! We did all this as well as possible for seven days and have only started letting her do a little each day slowing adding to her load. I never thought I would tell my kids "No reading!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Susan, bless you and her! I'm so sorry that happened. How's her finger? (Just kidding.) Maybe she can look at the enforced rest as a time to catch the last bit of sun before winter hits? (Or maybe that's just my age talking....) Hugs for you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Does anyone know if it's ok to listen to books on CD or mp3? I'd have a really hard time doing "nothing" when I was not sleeping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 It has been bad. I let her listen to one story in the morning and one in the afternoon - only simple stories that she was already very familiar with like Winnie-the-Pooh and Beatrix Potter. We gave her hand toys to play with - silly putty and a couple of various magnety toys. She was very bored and complained a fair amount. I did go purchase a few special snacks for her, and she was allowed to determine our menu for that time (within reason!). I'm so glad she can do a little bit more now, but I still make her rest regularly during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 The computer test mentioned previously maybe referring to an Impact test. Hope your daughter feels better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 Does anyone know if it's ok to listen to books on CD or mp3? I'd have a really hard time doing "nothing" when I was not sleeping. Umm...so they just lie in bed... How in the world do you get a teen, a social teen especially to do this. Seriously. I hope my daughter never gets a concussion because I have no idea how I would enforce this. If she can't talk to me or someone else or read or watch tv.... she would go insane... Yep.... not gonna happen. I do have her resting in a chair, of course with her computer.... but she says only one tab is open :tongue_smilie: . It doesn't help that the my nurse friend, our neighbor, and everyone at the hospital doesn't know about brain rest... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Where we lived before, one of our next door neighbors was a Neurosurgeon. I *strongly* suggest that your DD be examined by a Neurosurgeon. Much GL to her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 So dd20 was opening soup, cut her finger.... then fainted backward onto the tile floor, splitting the back of her head open. Before she woke up, she was growling and hissing, the scariest minute of my life. She came to, but blood all over the place... We called an ambulance, she was alert and talking the whole time. At the hospital, doctor said cat scan is not necessary, she is fine. Fast forward four hours when he is stapling her cut... and I mention her growling while passed out, and then he decided to do the cat scan. Luckily no fracture, no bleeding. But definitely a concussion. Here's the deal. They said just take it easy a few days, and she is good. Haven't I seen here where you need to rest, and can't do much for awhile after a concussion? If so, why hasn't this hospital (small town one) heard of it? (And I definitely have a nice insurance mess to clean up, but since I insisted their coverage amounts were wrong, I didn't have to pay tonight). Yeah. The new concussion protocol is NO activity for at least a few days. She should have no headaches, sleepiness, etc. at all before she's back to normal activities. No activity means do nothing. No movies, no texting, no reading, no...anything. She can pet the cat, is what my dd's neurologist said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only me Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Yes i believe it was the impact test. My daughter actually saw a sports medicine doctor within the same practice as our regular doctor. The sports medicine doctors have a lot of experience with concussions. For her first concussion she saw a neurologist. Either doctor would be a good resource. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Yeah. The new concussion protocol is NO activity for at least a few days. She should have no headaches, sleepiness, etc. at all before she's back to normal activities. No activity means do nothing. No movies, no texting, no reading, no...anything. She can pet the cat, is what my dd's neurologist said. Dd's friend had a mild concussion a few weeks ago. He was put on complete brain rest for at least a week. His mom kept him still and quiet for 4 days (poor kid had to drop an online class and miss a couple of other great activities.) I think he listened to a couple of familiar, calm audiobooks in a dark room. She cautiously allowed more activity but severely limited screen time - but allowed some calm, gentle tv shows like cooking shows (he likes to cook.) Because they were so diligent about following the brain rest recommendations, he was allowed to resume normal activities sooner than predicted. He is still off martial arts and strenuous physical exercise for another week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Umm...so they just lie in bed... How in the world do you get a teen, a social teen especially to do this. Seriously. I hope my daughter never gets a concussion because I have no idea how I would enforce this. If she can't talk to me or someone else or read or watch tv.... she would go insane... We were given similar instructions. My son found it impossible, and so we just did the best we could to keep low brain stimulation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 How does she feel? If she has symptoms the less she does the sooner she will heal. :grouphug: Here's my funny story. Friends ds was in a dance production and hit a wall coming off stage. They took him to the ER, yes concussion, wake him every hour and check him. Mother dutifully wakes child. Part way through the night she wakes child and the child sleeping next to him says, "Mom why do you keep waking Joe?" :lol: His friend was sleeping over and she was too tired to notice which kid she was waking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 When my niece had a concussion she had to go on the brain rest. Better to do whatever it takes to get her well than to push through. Meanwhile, for Christmas, maybe this? :) OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 Susan, I haven't been online much for the past few days, so I just saw this thread a minute ago. I'm so sorry about your dd!!! I hope she is able to get plenty of rest and that she makes a quick and complete recovery. You must have been so scared!! And I'm sure you are still very worried. Head injuries are so scary. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted October 17, 2014 Author Share Posted October 17, 2014 Update: She is recovering nicely (or not "nice" since concussions tend to make one cranky). She doesn't have a lot of even the mild concussion symptoms, that is good. Slight bloody noses started yesterday, we went to an ENT today, its nothing to do with falling, so that is good. Thanks to your suggestion, I found a great sports medicine doctor who saw her today. He will continue her care, we will only consult a neurologist if necessary. Dd miserably failed an oral number test, then got agitated, so now she knows what the concussion's affects are so she can rest if she feels that way again. I had to assure her that the doctor didn't think she was dumb and whenever she feels that way, that is what the note he sent (for college) means... stop when overwhelmed, foggy, and gently ease back. No driving. He handles school injuries for the area, and said it is better to let the kids do some work if they can, and that it is counterproductive for them to get too far behind, then they get stressed, and that is not good for healing. I can't tell you how relieved I am, I will sleep very good sleep tonight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only me Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I'm glad she went to the sports med doctor. I hope she heals quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 I'm glad to see she's in good care, but has her fainting episode itself been addressed? I'd be concerned with her fainting out cold after just cutting her finger. Is this normal for her? :grouphug: I fainted several times in my very late teens and early twenties, but I'd always experience a woozy feeling and was able to position myself lower to the ground, so to speak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowing Brook Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 How scary I am glad you are getting treatment and she is on the mend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 I'm glad you were able to get her in to see a good doctor. I think it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to things like concussions, because you can't look at the person and see what's going on inside their head, and that is so frightening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 I'm glad to see she's in good care, but has her fainting episode itself been addressed? I'd be concerned with her fainting out cold after just cutting her finger. Is this normal for her? :grouphug: I fainted several times in my very late teens and early twenties, but I'd always experience a woozy feeling and was able to position myself lower to the ground, so to speak. Ironically, it wasn't the blood that caused her to faint, she was scared she would have to go to the doctor.... Good.job. I can recount 3-4 more times in her life she has fainted. All because of anxiety or dehydration. All have very funny stories attached, but none that involve an ambulance. She had a pet chinchilla, we were at the vet getting a tooth filed and the vet caught a tiny bit of the chin's lip. The next thing I saw was the vet quickly leaping over to dd, catching her fall. She woke up covered in pet hair and had his stethoscope tangled in her hair. He said he knows the "about to faint" look. I did tell dd that there needs to be a plan, especially for when she is out on her own. She doesn't get much warning. I said no matter how embarassing it is, she needs to drop and put her head to the ground herself. And see her favorite psychology teacher for a few "reconditioning" suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Is it possible there's some physical explanation, like narrow arteries somewhere and when the stress narrows them even further, bam, down she goes? Pretty wild! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 Is it possible there's some physical explanation, like narrow arteries somewhere and when the stress narrows them even further, bam, down she goes? Pretty wild! I'll keep this in mind. If it happened more, I'd be concerned. She promised to not try to walk to a chair (and now knows leaning on the counter doesn't work), but to drop if it happens again. That is what worries me most. I shudder to think what would have happened if she was alone when that happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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